The term “Spiritual Director” has many associations and a long history in the Abrahamic faith traditions. It has been closely associated with certain strands of Judaism, Christianity, in particular Ignatian spirituality and in the Islamic Sufi path. Even within these traditions, there is great (and increasing) variability in how the term is used, defined, and contextualized. The common approach that they share is that in all of them, the Spiritual Director is a spiritual companion who looks to engage with seekers in an open and non-judgmental way, steeped in contemplative practice and deep listening, to provide guidance and enable seekers to get closer to love and oneness.

The ideas that separate us are less important than discovering how the presence of Love transforms us. For this reason, it can be beneficial and transformational to work with a Spiritual Director whose life in Love and whose experience of prayer and spiritual practices are different than our own.

Absolutely not. Spiritual Direction is for ANYONE who wants to explore their spiritual life and care of their soul. We will meet you wherever you are on your journey.

Prayer is the channel, time, space and opportunity to grow closer to Love. When we are in tune with Love, we cannot help but experience deeper well being. Prayer is the practice that transforms us from the inside out.

Many have found that once every 3-6 weeks works well. This decision will be discussed at the initial meeting.

Spiritual Directors are ethically bound to confidentiality. This helps the Directee to feel safe and able to share their deepest feelings and most important life experiences. There are however some important exceptions to keep in mind. Everything is absolutely confidential except where there are issues of current or potential harm to children, young people or vulnerable adults. In these circumstances I would refer to the relevant statutory agency. Additionally our code of ethics requires us to have supervision from a trained Spiritual Direction Supervisor. Although some general content from a session may be discussed, no names or identifying characteristics will be shared so that the content of our supervision is kept in the loop of confidentiality.

Not all seekers and Directors are a good fit for each other. Experienced, qualified Directors are very aware of this. It is always best for both parties to be honest when one or the other senses the relationship is not life-giving or has come to a natural end. The seeker/guide relationship is grounded in mutual respect and so the “ending conversation” usually turns out to be a graced time that is not as difficult as anyone might anticipate. There is something to be grateful for in every relationship whether it has lasted a short or a long time. An individual may need different Directors for different stretches of their journey. Spiritual Directors are attuned to that reality and so ending the relationship at the right time is a perfectly acceptable decision.

If you answer yes, maybe, or are intrigued by any of the following questions, you may want to consider Spiritual Direction:

• Has success or failure left you wanting something deeper?
• Do you feel like you operate out of fear, more than you operate from love?
• Do you long for extended times in nature? Or extended time alone?
• Do you feel overwhelmed most of the time?
• Are you considering a major life change?
• Have you sensed an ongoing desire to challenge status quo?
• Are you curious about why others around subscribe or believe in something bigger than themselves?
• Do you yearn for deeper intimacy in Life?
• Are you holding back or dumbing down, in order to keep the peace or belong?
• Does union with Infinite Love draw your attention more than outer measurements of approval?
• Are your problems bigger than your tried and true answers?
• Have you sensed Mystery beckoning you?
• Do you find descriptions of God, Universe, or a Higher Being, insufficient?
• Are you mentally pushing the parameters of a long-held belief system?
• Do you feel stuck or alone on your life journey?
• Are you frustrated with organized spirituality or religion but long for deep spiritual connection?
• Are you curious about spiritual disciplines or what it means to have a prayer life?